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BROOKLYN WOODS

Brooklyn Woods offers free, full time training in woodworking and fabrication skills to unemployed and low-income New Yorkers. We provide our trainees with a solid foundation for a secure career in woodworking, cabinetmaking, and fabrication. Learn more about the program at one of our information sessions.

OUR TRAINEES

Brooklyn Woods trains unemployed and low-income New Yorkers who face barriers to launching their careers. The ideal applicant has a strong interest in a long-term career in woodworking. Because we screen hundreds of applicants each year for about 60 training slots, please visit our Applypage to see if you’re a good fit before attending an Information Session.

What happens during training? You’ll learn how to safely operate tools and woodworking machinery, work with both solid wood and man-made materials, and develop an understanding of various fabrication techniques. You’ll also study math and measurement and earn their OSHA 10 certifications. Finally, our trainees graduate ready to show up on time and work hard.

If you are interested in hiring a Brooklyn Woods graduate, please visit our Hirepage.

OUR PROGRAM

Brooklyn Woods’ 7-week full-time training prepares graduates to become skilled, entry-level woodworkers and fabricators. The course consists of extensive instruction and hands-on experience in our woodshop. It also includes classroom instruction in math and measurement, job readiness skills, and workplace safety.

Graduates receive assistance with job placement, as well as two years of career counseling and support.

All BWI training programs are offered free of charge. However, trainees must be able to cover their personal expenses during the training and job search. We are unable to provide stipends.

WHAT COMES AFTER TRAINING

Graduates are placed as entry-level helpers in woodworking and fabrication firms throughout the city. Most work with wood, but some work with metal or lighting fabrication companies, assembling products for sale in stores. They work with their hands, pay close attention to detail, and work safely in teams to produce beautiful, functional products.

Brooklyn Woods also operates a cabinetmaking social venture, which manufactures hundreds of kitchen and bathroom vanities each year for local housing developers. Often, graduates are given transitional, paid work opportunities with Brooklyn Woods after training. Through these positions, they continue to gain valuable real-world experience.